NURSE - Pediatric Seizures
Illinois Emergency Medical Services for Children
March 2012
Illinois EMSC is a collaborative program between the Illinois Department of Public
Health and Loyola University Health System. Development of this presentation
was supported in part by: Grant 5 H34 MC 00096 from the Department of Health
and Human Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau
Illinois Emergency Medical
Services for Children (EMSC)

Illinois EMSC is a collaborative program between the Illinois
Department of Public Health and Loyola University Health
System, aimed at improving pediatric emergency care within our
state.

Since 1994, The Illinois EMSC Advisory Board and several
committees, organizations and individuals within EMS and
pediatric communities have worked to enhance and integrate:
 Pediatric education
 Practice standards
 Injury prevention
 Data initiatives
2
Illinois EMSC
 The goal of Illinois EMSC is to ensure that
appropriate emergency medical care is
available for ill and injured children at every
point along the continuum of care.
This educational activity is being presented
without bias or conflict of interest from the
planners and presenters.
3
Acknowledgements
Illinois EMSC Quality Improvement Subcommittee & EMSC Facility Recognition Committee
Susan Fuchs MD, FAAP, FACEP
Chair, EMSC Quality Improvement Subcommittee
Children’s Memorial Hospital
Carolynn Zonia, DO, FACOEP, FACEP
Chair, EMSC Facility Recognition Committee
Loyola University Health System
Paula Atteberry, RN, BSN
Illinois Department of Public Health
Joseph R. Hageman, MD, FAAP
NorthShore University Health
System - Evanston
Cheryl Lovejoy, RN, TNS
Advocate Condell Medical Center
S. Margaret Palk, MD, FAAP
University of Chicago
Comer Children’s Hospital
Herbert Sutherland, DO, FACEP
Central DuPage Hospital
Maureen Bennett, RN, BSN
Loyola University Health System
Sandy Hancock, RN, MS
Saint Alexius Medical Center
Evelyn Lyons, RN, MPH
Illinois Department of Public Health
Parul Patel, MD, MPH, FAAP
Children’s Memorial Hospital
John Underwood, DO, FACEP
Swedish American Hospital
Mark Cichon, DO, FACOEP,
FACEP
Loyola University Health System
Melodie Havlick, RN, BSN, CEN
Rush Copley Memorial Hospital
Patrician Metzler, RN, TNS, SANE-A
Carle Foundation Hospital
Anita Pelka, RN
University of Chicago
Comer Children’s Hospital
LuAnn Vis, RN, MSOD, CPHQ
Loyola University Health System
Kristine Cieslak, MD, FAAP
Children’s Memorial at Central
DuPage Hospital
Kathryn Janies, BA
Illinois EMSC
Michele Moran, RN
Central DuPage Hospital
Anne Porter, PhD, RN, CPHQ
Healthcare Consultant
Jim Wells, RN
Blessing Hospital
Jacqueline Corboy, MD, FAAP
Children’s Memorial Hospital
Cindi LaPorte, RN
Loyola University Health System
Beth Nachtsheim Bolick, RN, MS,
DNP, CPNP-AC, PNP-BC
Rush University
Laura Prestidge, RN, BSN
Illinois EMSC
Leslie Wilkans, RN, BSN
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Don Davidson, MD
Carle Foundation Hospital
Sue Laughlin, RN
Community Memorial Hospital
Andrea Nofsinger, RN, BSN, SANE-A
OSF St. Francis Medical Center
Vanessa Scheidt, RN
Franciscan St. James Health
Beverly Weaver, RN, MS
Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital
Leslie Foster, RN, BSN
OSF St. Anthony Medical Center
Daniel Leonard, MS, MCP
Illinois EMSC
Charles Nozicka, DO, FAAP, FAAEM
Advocate Condell Medical Center
J. Thomas Senko, DO, FAAP
John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of
Cook County
Special Thanks to:
Ryan Gagnon, RN
Advocate Christ Medical Center
Jammi Likes, RN, BSN,
NREMT-P
Herrin Hospital
Linnea O’Neill, RN, MPH
Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare
Council
Cathleen Shanahan, RN, BSN, MS
Children’s Memorial Hospital
Eugene Schnitzler, MD
Loyola University Health System
Editors: Christine Kennelly, RN, MS; Sharon M. McCarthy, RN, MS, CPNP
Jorge Asconapé, MD
Loyola University Health System
4
Purpose
The purpose of this educational module is to
enhance the care of pediatric patients who
present with seizures through appropriate
 Assessment
 Management
 Prevention
of complications, and
 Disposition (including patient &
parent/caregiver education)
Suggested Citation: Illinois Emergency Medical Services for Children
(EMSC), NURSE-Pediatric Seizures, March 2012
5
Exclusions
 Management of post traumatic seizures
is beyond the scope of this module and
will not be addressed.
 Neonatal seizures are not addressed in
the body of this module. However,
information can be found in Appendix C.
6
Pediatric Seizures
Few health care problems elicit more distress
than witnessing a child having a seizure. It is
terrifying to many. When the victim is a child,
and the observer is a parent or caregiver, that
terror can become panic.
This module seeks to aid you in minimizing
that distress and maximizing the outcome for
your patient with evidence-based guidelines.
7
Objectives
At the conclusion of this module, you will be
able to:
 Manage the child with a seizure in the prehospital and
Emergency Department (ED) settings
 Identify the distinguishing characteristics between
types of seizures in the pediatric patient
 Explain the rationale for specific diagnostic testing
 Provide educational information related to
care of a child with seizures
NOTE: Hyperlinks are provided throughout the module to offer additional information
8
Table of Contents
Introduction and Background
Febrile Seizure
First Unprovoked Seizure
Status Epilepticus
References
Resources
Appendices
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.



APPENDIX A – EMSC Prehospital Protocols
APPENDIX B – Sample Emergency Department Guidelines
APPENDIX C – Neonatal Seizures
9
Introduction
and
Background
Return to Table of Contents
10
U.S.
1
Demographics
 300,000 people have a first seizure
each year


120,000 are under 18 years of age
Between 75,000 and 100,000 are under 5
years of age who have experienced a
febrile seizure
 326,000 school aged children through
15 years of age have epilepsy
11
Incidence in Illinois
 In 2009, 14,400 children aged 0-18 years
were seen in the Emergency Department
as a result of seizures
 Nearly 6,500 required
hospitalization
(Source: Illinois Hospital Association. COMPdata. Hospital Discharge database)
12
Illinois EMSC Statewide
Pediatric Seizure QI Project
In 2010 - 2011, Illinois EMSC conducted a statewide
survey of Emergency Department practice patterns
(including medical record reviews) related to children
presenting with:
 Simple Febrile Seizure (SFS)
 Unprovoked Seizures (UnS), and
 Status Epilepticus (SE)
(Source: Illinois EMSC Pediatric Seizures in the Emergency Department Summary Report May 2011)
13
Pediatric Seizure QI Project (cont.)
Opportunities for improvement:

Less than half of responding facilities had a
protocol/policy/guideline/clinical pathway that addressed the
clinical management of seizures overall (44%) or clinical
management SE in particular (19%)

In the prehospital management of pediatric seizures, blood
glucose assessments were documented in only 34% of SFS
patients and slightly over half of UnS/SE patients

For UnS/SE patients, seizure precautions were either not
taken or not documented in more than 1/3rd of the cases
(Source: Illinois EMSC Pediatric Seizures in the Emergency Department Summary Report May 2011)
14
A Seizure Is:
 Abnormal neuronal activity
 A sudden biochemical imbalance at the cell
membrane
 Repeated abnormal electrical discharges
 Seen clinically as changes in motor control,
sensory perception and/or autonomic
function2
15
Clinical Presentation
Motor Changes
 Parents/caregivers may report seeing:
 Repetitive non-purposeful movements
 Staring
 Lip-smacking
 Falling down without cause
 Stiffening of any or all extremities
 Rhythmic shaking of any or all extremities
Seizure activity cannot be interrupted with verbal
or physical stimulation3
16
Clinical Presentation
Sensory and Autonomic
 Parents/caregivers may report the child is:
 Feeling nauseous
 Feeling odd or peculiar
 Losing control of bowel or bladder
 Feeling numbness, tingling
 Experiencing odd smells or sounds
17
Clinical Presentation
Consciousness
 Consciousness is the usual alertness or
responsiveness the child demonstrates.
 Parents/caregivers may report or you may
observe the child to have:
 Baseline alertness
 Diminished level of consciousness
 Unresponsive and unconscious
18
Clinical Presentation
Events That Mimic Seizures
 Apnea
 Rigors
 Breath Holding
 Shuddering
 Dizziness
 Syncope
 Myoclonus
 Tics
 Pseudoseizures
 Transient Ischemic
 Psychogenic
Attacks
Seizures
19
Seizure Classifications
Generalized
Partial
Complex
Simple
Involves BOTH hemispheres
of the brain
May have aura
No impaired consciousness
Always involves loss of
consciousness
Involves motor* or
autonomic# symptoms
with altered level of
consciousness
Can involve motor,* autonomic#
or somatosensory+ symptoms
Types:
 Tonic or clonic movements
or combination (grand mal)
 Absence (petit mal)
 Myoclonic
 Atonic (e.g., drop attacks)
 Infantile spasms
May generalize
May generalize
Types of symptoms:
1) Motor* - head/eye deviation, jerking, stiffening
2) Autonomic# - pupils dilatation, drooling, pallor, change in heart rate or
respiratory rate
3) Somatosensory+ - smells, alteration of perception (déjà vu)
20
Generalized Seizure Classification:
Descriptions1
 Absence - Abrupt lapses of consciousness
lasting a few seconds
 Atonic - Abrupt, unexpected loss of muscle
tone
 Myoclonic - Rapid short contractions of one
or all extremities
21
Febrile Seizure
Return to Table of Contents
22
Febrile Seizure4
Febrile seizures are the most common
seizure disorder in childhood, affecting
2 - 5% of children between the ages of
6 months and 5 years
23
Febrile Seizure5
 Caused by the increase in the core body
temperature greater than 100.4F or 38C
 Threshold of temperature which may trigger
seizures is unique to each individual
 Can occur within the first 24 hours of an
illness

Can be the first sign of illness in 25 - 50% of
patients
24
Febrile Seizure: Characteristics
 Are benign
 Occurrence: between 6 months to 5 years of
age
 May be either simple or complex type seizure
 Seizure accompanied by fever (before, during
or after) WITHOUT ANY



Central nervous system infection
Metabolic disturbance
History of previous seizure disorder
25
Febrile Seizure: Two Types4
Simple Febrile



6 months – 5 years of age
Febrile before, during or after
seizure
Generalized seizure
lasting less than 15
minutes, and
 Occurs once in a 24-hour
period
Complex Febrile


6 months – 5 years of age
Febrile before, during or after
seizure

Prolonged (lasting more
than 15 minutes),
 Focal seizure, or
 Occurs more than once in
24 hours
26
Febrile Seizure:
Prehospital Assessment
 Assess A,B,C’s
 Assess neurological status (D = Disability using AVPU)
 Obtain seizure history from a dependable witness:
 How long was the seizure?
 What did it look like (movements, eye deviation)?
 History of previous seizures (child and family)?
 Does the child have a current illness/fever?
 Any indications of trauma or abuse?
 Length of postictal phase?
 List current medications
 Include any antipyretics given (time and dose)
27
AVPU
The AVPU scale (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive) is a system by which
a healthcare professional can measure and record a child’s level of
consciousness. The AVPU scale should be assessed using these identifiable
traits, looking for the best response of each
A
Alert – the infant is active, responsive to parents and interacts
appropriately with surroundings; the child is lucid and fully responsive, can
answer questions and see what you're doing.
V
Voice – the child or infant is not looking around; responds to your
voice, but may be drowsy, keeps eyes closed and may not speak
coherently, or make sounds.
P
Pain – the child or infant is not alert and does not respond to your
voice. Responds to a painful stimulus, e.g., shaking the shoulders or
possibly applying nail bed pressure.
U
Unresponsive – the child or infant is unresponsive to any of the
above; unconscious.
28
Febrile Seizure:
Prehospital Management
 Monitor A, B, C, D’s
 Position with C-Spine protection (if trauma)
 Follow seizure and aspiration precautions (per
protocol)
 Physical exam
 Check blood glucose
 If blood glucose < 60, treat as appropriate
Refer to EMSC Seizure protocols (Appendix A)
29
Febrile Seizure:
ED Assessment
 Baseline assessment
 Vital signs (including temperature)
 Assess A, B, C, D’s
 Continue providing and documenting seizure and
aspiration precautions
30
Febrile Seizure:
ED Assessment (cont.)
 Full History
 Obtain seizure history from a dependable witness:









When did the seizure occur?
How long was the seizure and what did it look like?
How was the child acting immediately before the seizure?
History of previous seizures (child and family)?
History of developmental delay/recent loss of milestones?
Does the child have a current illness/fever?
Any indications of trauma or abuse?
Length of postictal state?
Immunization history?
 List current medications
 Include any antipyretics given (time and dose)
31
Febrile Seizure:
ED Management7
 If still seizing, follow Status Epilepticus protocol
 Complete physical exam – to identify the source of
fever
 If child has a prolonged postictal period - consider
administering glucose
 Lab testing - direct toward identifying the source of
fever
 For Simple Febrile Seizures: NO ROUTINE LAB TESTS ARE
NECESSARY
32
Simple Febrile Seizure:
Lumbar Puncture
Evidence-based recommendations from the 2011 AAP
Subcommittee on Febrile Seizures6 are as follows:
“A lumbar puncture should be performed in any child who presents
with a (simple febrile) seizure and a fever and has meningeal signs
and symptoms (e.g., neck stiffness, Kernig and/or Brudzinski
signs) or in any child whose history or examination suggests the
presence of meningitis or intracranial infection.”
Current data does not support routine lumbar
puncture in well-appearing, fully immunized children
who present with a simple febrile seizure.
33
Simple Febrile Seizure:
Lumbar Puncture (cont.)
Additional evidence-based recommendations from the 2011 AAP
Subcommittee on Febrile Seizures6 are as follows:
“In any infant between 6 and 12 months of age who presents with a
(simple febrile) seizure and fever, a lumbar puncture is an option when:
- the child is considered deficient in Haemophilus influenza type b or
Streptococcus pneumoniae immunizations (i.e., has not received
scheduled immunizations as recommended) or
- when the immunization status cannot be determined because of an
increased risk of bacterial meningitis.”
“A lumbar puncture is an option in the child who presents with a (simple
febrile) seizure and fever and is pretreated with antibiotics, because
antibiotic treatment can mask the signs and symptoms of meningitis.”
34
Simple Febrile Seizure:
Diagnostic Testing4,6
EEG
Simple
Febrile
Seizure
Should not be performed
in a neurologically
healthy child.
CT/MRI
Not indicated
Results are not predictive of
recurrence or development
of epilepsy
There are no current national guidelines addressing
diagnostic testing recommendations for complex
febrile seizures.
35
Simple Febrile Seizure:
ED Ongoing Management
 Reassess temperature
 Consider giving antipyretic if not
previously administered
 As source of fever is identified, treat
appropriately
36
Simple Febrile Seizure:
Family Education4,6
Here are some frequently asked questions parents/
caregivers may have prior to discharge:
 Is my child brain damaged?
 There is no evidence of impact on learning abilities after
seizure from SFS.
 Will this happen again?
 If child is under 12 months of age at time of first seizure,
recurrence rate is 50%
 If child is greater than 12 months of age at time of first seizure,
recurrence rate is 30%
 Most recurrences occur within 6-12 months of the initial febrile
seizure
37
Simple Febrile Seizure:
Family Education4,6 (cont.)
 Will my child get epilepsy?
 For simple febrile seizures, there is no increased risk
of epilepsy
 Why not treat for possible seizures or fever?
 Anticonvulsants can reduce recurrence. However
potential side effects of medications outweigh the
minor risk of recurrence
 Prophylactic use of antipyretics does not have impact
on recurrence
For complex febrile seizures, there is a
slight increase in the risk of epilepsy.
38
Simple Febrile Seizure:
Family Education7 (cont.)
 Instruct parent/caregivers to prevent injury during a
seizure :
 Position child while seizing in a side-lying
position
 Protect head from injury
 Loosen tight clothing about the neck
 Prevent injury from falls
 Reassure child during event
 Do not place anything in the child’s mouth
39
Simple Febrile Seizure:
Disposition
Prior to discharge home…
 Educate regarding use of:
 Thermometer
 Antipyretics for fever management
 When to contact 9-1-1 or ambulance
 Identify Primary Care Provider for follow-up
appointment and stress importance of follow-up
 Provide developmentally appropriate explanation of
event for child and family members
40
Febrile Seizure:
Test Yourself
1. Simple Febrile Seizures:
A. Indicate an underlying neurological condition
B. Require anticonvulsant medication
C. Occur in children 6 months to 5 years of age
D. Frequently lead to epilepsy
2. Which of the following are
important history questions?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Was there trauma ?
What did the seizure look like?
Medications and herbal supplements?
All of the above
3. Diagnostic workup in the ED
is based on suspicions of:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Meningitis
Trauma
Unknown immunization status
All of the above
4. Discharge education should
include which of the
following?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Teaching about EEG results
Importance of antipyretics for fever
Importance of follow up MRI
Teaching about anticonvulsant
medications
Proceed to next slide for answers
41
Febrile Seizure:
Test Yourself: ANSWER KEY
1. Simple Febrile Seizures:
C. Occur in children 6 months to 5 years of age
2. Which of the following are
important history questions?
D.
All of the above
3. Diagnostic workup in the ED
is based on suspicions of:
D.
All of the above
4. Discharge education should
include which of the
following?
B.
Importance of antipyretics for fever
42
First Unprovoked Seizure
Return to Table of Contents
43
First Unprovoked Seizure8
This is a first seizure that occurs without an immediate
precipitating event. Etiology may be:
 Remote symptomatic (related to a pre-existing brain
abnormality/insult)
 Cryptogenic or idiopathic (no known cause)
Predictors of recurrence include: abnormal EEG,
underlying etiology, and abnormal neurologic exams
Remote symptomatic – recurrence risk over 2 yrs is above 50%
Cryptogenic or idiopathic – recurrence risk over 2 yrs is
30-50%
 If first seizure is prolonged, recurrent seizures are more likely to
be prolonged.


44
First Unprovoked Seizure:
Presentation
Parents/caregivers may describe symptoms
consistent with the following:
 Partial seizure
 Generalized onset, tonic-clonic seizure
 Tonic seizure
Remember: this is a seizure that occurs
without an immediate precipitating event.
45
First Unprovoked Seizure:
Prehospital Assessment
 Assess A, B, C, D’s
 Obtain seizure history from a dependable witness:
 How long was the seizure?
 What did it look like (movements, eye deviation)?
 History of previous seizures (child and family)?
 Does the child have a current illness/fever?
 Any indications of trauma or abuse?
 Length of postictal state
 List current medications
 Include any antipyretics given (time and dose)
46
First Unprovoked Seizure:
Prehospital Management
 Monitor A, B, C, D’s
 Position with C-Spine protection (if trauma)
 Follow seizure and aspiration precautions (per protocol)
 Physical assessment
 Check blood glucose
 If blood glucose < 60, treat as appropriate
Refer to EMSC Seizure protocols (Appendix A)
47
First Unprovoked Seizure:
ED Assessment
 Baseline assessment
 Vital signs (including temperature)
 Assess A, B, C, D’s
 Continue providing and documenting seizure and
aspiration precautions
48
First Unprovoked Seizure:
ED Assessment (cont.)
 If still seizing, follow Status Epilepticus protocol
 Full History
 Obtain seizure history from a dependable witness:









Recent exposures (chemical, industrial)?
When did the seizure occur?
How long was the seizure and what did it look like?
How was the child acting immediately before the seizure?
History of previous seizures (child and family)?
History of developmental delay/recent loss of milestones?
Does the child have a current illness?
Any indications of trauma or abuse?
Length of postictal state?
49
First Unprovoked Seizure:
ED Assessment (cont.)
 List current medications
 Include any antipyretics given (time and dose)
 Include anticonvulsants given by prehospital
team (time and dose)
 Physical exam
 Head-to-toe assessment
50
First Unprovoked Seizure:
Diagnostic Testing8
Laboratory tests are based on individual
clinical circumstances and may include:






CBC with differential
Blood glucose
Electrolytes
Calcium, magnesium, phosphorous
Urine drug/toxicology screen
Urine HCG (age dependent)
Lumbar puncture is only indicated if there are other
symptoms that suggest a diagnosis of meningitis.
51
First Unprovoked Seizure:
Diagnostic Testing – MRI8,9
 Outpatient MRI should be considered for:
 Children under 1 year of age
 All children with significant acute cognitive or motor
impairment
 Unexplained abnormalities on neurologic exam
 Seizure of focal onset without generalization
 Abnormal EEG
 Abnormalities on MRI are seen in up to 1/3rd of
children
 However, most abnormalities do not influence immediate
treatment or management (such as need for hospitalization)
52
First Unprovoked Seizure:
Diagnostic Testing - CT Scan8,9
Emergent CT Scan (without contrast) should be
considered for any child who exhibits any of the
following:
 Significant, acute cognitive or motor
impairment
 New focal deficit not quickly resolving
 Not returned to baseline
MRI is the modality of choice, if available.
53
First Unprovoked Seizure:
Diagnostic Testing – EEG8,9
 Obtain on ALL children in whom a nonfebrile
seizure has been diagnosed
 Can be arranged as an outpatient
 Should be interpreted by a neurologist
(preferably pediatric neurologist)
 EEG results will:
 Help predict the risk of recurrence
 Classify the seizure type or epilepsy
syndrome
 Influence the decision to perform additional
neuroimaging studies
54
First Unprovoked Seizure:
ED Management
If child is still actively seizing…
 Refer to Status Epilepticus protocol
When child is stable…
 Consult with Neurologist (or Intensivist)
 For possible medication recommendations
 To determine disposition:
Admit to observe
Transfer (if neurologist is unavailable)
Discharge home
55
First Unprovoked Seizure:
Drug Therapy8,9
 The majority of children who experience an
unprovoked seizure will have few or no
recurrences
 Approximately 10% will go on to have additional
seizures regardless of therapy
 Type of medication if offered depends on:
 Type, frequency and severity of seizures
 Side effects, titration, drug interactions, dosing
forms, cost of drug
 Neurologist preference
56
First Unprovoked Seizure:
Discharge & Family Education
Prior to discharge home…
 Identify Primary Care Provider and Neurologist for
follow-up appointments
 Provide plan for outpatient EEG
 Provide parental support
 Consider rescue medication for home, based on
neurologist recommendation (e.g., rectal
diazepam)
57
First Unprovoked Seizure:
Family Education7
 Instruct parent/caregivers to prevent injury
during a seizure:
 Position child while seizing in a side-lying





position
Protect head from injury
Loosen tight clothing about the neck
Prevent injury from falls
Reassure child during event
Do not place anything in the child’s mouth
58
First Unprovoked Seizure:
Family Education (cont.)
 Instruct in use of 9-1-1 or ambulance services
 Provide developmentally appropriate explanation
to child about the seizure event and treatment
 Discourage swimming alone
 No driving a car until cleared by a physician
59
First Unprovoked Seizure:
Family Education (cont.)
Here are some frequently asked questions
parents may have prior to discharge:

How likely is it that my child will have seizures again?
The risk of recurrence relates to the underlying etiology and EEG
results (normal or abnormal). The majority of children who experience
an unprovoked seizure will have few or no recurrences. Approximately
10% will go on to have additional seizures regardless of therapy.8

Is there a risk of dying from the seizure if we don’t start
medication today?
Sudden unexpected death is very uncommon (usually related to an
underlying neurologic handicap rather than seizure activity).
There are no studies showing treatment after a first seizure alters the
small risk of sudden death.8
60
First Unprovoked Seizure:
Test Yourself
1.
Which of the following is a true statement regarding a First Unprovoked Seizure:
A. Occurs without a precipitating event
B. Is never associated with an underlying neurological condition
C. Always leads to epilepsy
D. Requires immediate initiation of antiepileptic medication
2.
Children who have a First Unprovoked Seizure…
A. Have their blood glucose checked by ambulance staff
B. Could proceed to have Status Epilepticus
C. Will require anti-pyretics to prevent seizures
D. A and B
3.
All children who have had a First Unprovoked Seizure should have an outpatient EEG.
TRUE
FALSE
4.
The majority of children who have a First Unprovoked Seizure will have few or no
recurrences.
TRUE
FALSE
Proceed to next slide for answers
61
First Unprovoked Seizure:
Test Yourself: ANSWER KEY
1.
Which of the following is a true statement regarding a First Unprovoked Seizure:
A. Occurs without a precipitating event
2.
Children who have a First Unprovoked Seizure…
D. A and B
3.
All children who have had a First Unprovoked Seizure should have an outpatient EEG.
TRUE
4.
The majority of children who have a First Unprovoked Seizure will have few or no
recurrences.
TRUE
62
Status Epilepticus
Return to Table of Contents
63
Status Epilepticus:
Definitions10
 Seizures that persist without interruption for
more than 5 minutes
 Two or more sequential seizures without full
recovery of consciousness between seizures
This is a life threatening emergency that
requires immediate treatment.
64
Status Epilepticus10
 Commonly occurs in children with epilepsy (9 -27%
over time)
 Complications from Status Epilepticus result from both
the impact of the convulsive state on the body systems
(such as the cardiac and respiratory systems) and the
neuronal cellular injury which leads to cell death
 Rapid termination of the seizure activity protects
against neuronal injury
65
Status Epilepticus:
Types, Incidence and Description11
Type
Incidence
Description
33%
Status Epilepticus (SE) with no
immediate event but the child had a
previous history of CNS
malformation, traumatic brain injury
or chromosomal disorder
26%
SE with concurrent acute illness
(e.g., meningitis, encephalitis,
hypoxia, trauma, intoxication)
Febrile SE
22%
SE with a febrile illness but not a
Central Nervous System infection
(e.g., sinusitis, sepsis, upper
respiratory infection)
Cryptogenic SE
15%
SE with no identifiable cause
Remote Symptomatic SE
Acute Symptomatic SE
66
Status Epilepticus:
Prehospital Assessment
 Assess A, B, C, D‘s
 Obtain seizure history from a dependable
witness:






When did the seizure begin?
What did it look like (movements, eye deviation)?
History of previous seizures (child and family)?
Does the child have a current illness/fever?
Any indications of trauma or abuse?
Emergency Information Form for Children with
Special Needs?
67
Status Epilepticus:
Prehospital Assessment
 List current medications
 Include any antipyretics given (time and dose)
 Do the parents have any anticonvulsant
medications (e.g., rectal diazepam)?
 Have parents given any anticonvulsant
medications (time and dose)?
68
Status Epilepticus:
Prehospital Assessment
 Assess A, B, C, D’s
 Positioning (with C-Spine protection if trauma)
 Jaw thrust
 Recovery position (side-lying)






Provide nasal airway, if needed
Seizure safety precautions (per protocol)
Aspiration precautions (per protocol)
Oxygen
Suction
Blood glucose testing
 If blood glucose < 60, treat as appropriate
69
Status Epilepticus:
Prehospital Assessment
 If parent/caregiver has rectal diazepam and
has not given it, the parent/caregiver should
be requested to administer it
 Document time and dose
 Follow Pediatric Seizures ALS guideline
(if appropriate)
 Contact Medical Control
REFER TO APPENDIX A for EMSC Seizure Protocols
70
Status Epilepticus:
ED Goals of Therapy 10,12
Minimize seizure time as much as possible
and provide drug therapy promptly.
 Drug therapy to halt seizure
 With IV/IO access, *LORazepam IV/IO
 If no IV/IO access, start with Diazepam PR
*The Institute for Safe Medication Practices recommends using
Tall Man (mixed case) letters in order to distinguish drugs with
similar sounding names – decreasing the chances of safety errors.
71
Status Epilepticus:
ED Assessment
 Assess A, B, C, D’s
 Full vital signs; check bedside glucose and treat
(per protocol)
 Continue to provide and document seizure and
aspiration precautions (per protocol)
 Review Prehospital History and Treatment
72
Status Epilepticus:
ED Management
 Full History
 Obtain seizure history from a dependable witness:
 How long has the seizure been going on and what did it






look like when it started?
How was the child acting immediately before the
seizure?
History of previous seizures (child and family)?
History of developmental delay/recent loss of
milestones?
Does the child have a current illness?
Any indications of trauma or abuse?
Immunization status
73
Status Epilepticus:
ED Assessment
 Assess E (exposure)
 Current medications?
 When were they last given?
 Recent exposures - chemical, industrial, infectious?
 Was patient recently out of the country?
74
Status Epilepticus:
ED Management – First 5 Minutes12
 Evaluate airway
 Suction, position and provide nasal airway as needed
 Provide 100% oxygen (non-rebreather)
 Establish vascular access
 Draw labs as determined by history (examples:)
 CBC, Electrolytes, Blood glucose, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus
 Toxicology screen, if indicated by history
 Antiepileptic drug level, as indicated
 Administer benzodiazepines
 LORazepam IV/IO 0.1 mg/kg
Benzodiazepines may
cause respiratory
and cardiac depression.
 No IV access, give either:
 Diazepam PR 0.5 mg/kg (max PR dose = 20 mg) or
 Midazolam IM 0.1 - 0.2 mg/kg
REFER TO APPENDIX B for sample guidelines
75
Status Epilepticus:
ED Management – Next 10 Minutes12
 Reassess A, B, C’s
 Continue supportive airway management
 Suction, position and provide nasal airway as needed
 Provide 100% oxygen (non-rebreather)
 Evaluate results of rapid blood glucose testing
If the seizure activity continues…
 Administer medications (per guidelines)
PHENobarbital
is preferred in
neonates.
 Repeat IV LORazepam 0.1 mg/kg
 Administer IV/IM Fosphenytoin 20 mg/kg PE (Phenytoin
equivalents)
REFER TO APPENDIX B for sample guidelines
76
Status Epilepticus:
ED Management – Next 15 Minutes12
 Having administered 2-3 doses of benzo-
diazepines, and a dose of Fosphenytoin
without halting the seizure, consider the
patient in refractory Status Epilepticus13
 Consult with Neurology and/or Intensivist for
further management recommendations
 If available, evaluate lab results
REFER TO APPENDIX B for sample guidelines
77
Status Epilepticus:
ED Management – Refractory SE
 If seizure activity persists (after appropriate doses of
benzodiazepines and Fosphenytoin), load with a
second long-acting AED that was not used initially
(e.g., phenobarbital, valproic acid)
 Consider loading with Midazolam IV 0.1 - 0.2 mg/kg
 Manage with continuous EEG monitoring
 Contact PICU/NICU to begin transfer to higher level of care
It is imperative to stop the seizure activity.
If rapid sequence induction is necessary, use short-acting
paralytics to ensure that ongoing seizure activity is not masked.
REFER TO APPENDIX B for sample guidelines
78
Status Epilepticus:
ED Management – Transfer13
 For a child in Status Epilepticus after 30
minutes of refractory SE, enact plans to
transfer to your PICU/NICU or transport to a
higher level of care
 Continued testing can be arranged in that
setting
 Consider EEG with new onset SE
 Neuroimaging (CT/MRI) if etiology is unknown
REFER TO APPENDIX B for sample guidelines
79
Status Epilepticus:
Disposition
 Discuss child’s progress and advice
regarding admission or transfer based on
patient status and neurology consultation with
parents/caregiver
 Utilize a specialty/critical care transport team
 (If applicable) Explain these events to child in
developmentally appropriate manner
80
Status Epilepticus:
Parent Education
 Provide parents/caregivers information
regarding child’s condition and treatment
plan
 Provide emotional/psychosocial support
 Encourage use of the ACEP/AAP Emergency
Information Form for possible future events
81
Status Epilepticus:
Emergency Information Form
The Emergency Information Form (EIF) for Children With Special
Needs resource was developed by the American College of Emergency
Physicians (ACEP) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

As a standardized medical summary it has
 Information for prehospital and
hospital emergency care personnel
 Updates entered by caregivers
 English and Spanish versions
 24-hour accessibility
 Free, Downloadable, interactive forms are
available at the ACEP and the AAP websites.
To be completed by both the child’s medical team and parents/caregivers.
Copies should be kept by parents, as well as on file at the PCP’s office,
subspecialist’s office, local ED, and school nurse’s office.
82
Status Epilepticus:
Test Yourself
1. You respond to a 9-1-1 call for a 4-year-old child. You find the child on
the floor of the playroom, unresponsive to voice with rhythmic movements
of both the upper and lower extremities. The parents report that the child
has had seizures, starting at age 2. The seizure activity has always lasted
only about 1 minute. The parents called 9-1-1 when the initial seizure
stopped, but the seizure started again with about one minute in between.
They estimate the child has been seizing for about 15 minutes.
Your FIRST response is to:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Move the child to the bed
Establish vascular access
Protect/position the airway
Give rectal diazepam
Proceed to next slide for answer
83
Status Epilepticus:
Test Yourself: ANSWER KEY
1. You respond to a 9-1-1 call for a 4-year-old child. You find the child on
the floor of the playroom, unresponsive to voice with rhythmic movements
of both the upper and lower extremities. The parents report that the child
has had seizures, starting at age 2. The seizure activity has always lasted
only about 1 minute. The parents called 9-1-1 when the initial seizure
stopped, but the seizure started again with about one minute in between.
They estimate the child has been seizing for about 15 minutes.
Your FIRST response is to:
C.Protect/position the airway
Proceed to next slide
84
Status Epilepticus:
Test Yourself
2. How quickly should the first benzodiazepine be given after status epilepticus
begins?
A. At 30 minutes
B. At 20 minutes
C. Within 5 minutes
D. After 60 minutes
3. What drugs are used first in status epilepticus?
A. Lorazepam
B. Fosphenytoin
C. Diazepam
D. A and C
4. Who is likely to have status epilepticus?
A. Child with a history of epilepsy
B. Child with encephalitis
C. Child with a traumatic brain injury
D. All of the above
Proceed to next slide for answers
85
Status Epilepticus:
Test Yourself: ANSWER KEY
2. How quickly should the first benzodiazepine be given after status epilepticus
begins?
C. Within 5 minutes
3. What drugs are used first in status epilepticus?
D. A and C
4. Who is likely to have status epilepticus?
D. All of the above
86
References
Return to Table of Contents
87
References
1.
Epilepsy and Seizure Statistics. (2010). EpilepsyFoundation.org. Retrieved April
21, 2011 from http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/statistics.cfm.
2. Pillow MT, Howes DS, Doctor, SU. Seizures. eMedicine.medscape.com.
Updated Jan 22, 2010.
3. Fisher, PG. First and second seizure: what to do and know. Contemporary
Pediatrics. 2007;24(4):80-89.
4. Steering Committee on Quality Improvement and Management, Subcommittee
on Febrile Seizures. Febrile seizures: clinical practice guideline for the long-term
management of the child with simple febrile seizures. Pediatrics.
2008;121:1281-1286.
5. Freedman SB, Powell EC. Pediatric seizures and their management in the
emergency department. Clin Ped Emerg Med. 2003;4:195-206.
88
References (cont.)
6. Steering Committee on Quality Improvement and Management, Subcommittee
on Febrile Seizures. Neurodiagnostic evaluation of the child with a simple febrile
seizure. Pediatrics. 2011;127;389-394.
7.
American Association of Neuroscience Nurses. Care of the patient with
seizures. 2nd ed. Glenview (IL): American Association of Neuroscience Nurses;
(Revised 2009). 23 p.
8. Hirtz D, Berg A, Bettis D, et al. Practice parameter: treatment of the child with a
first unprovoked seizure: report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the
American Academy of Neurology and the Practice Committee of the Child
Neurology Society. Neurology. 2003;60:166-175.
9. Hirtz D, Ashwal S, Berg A, et al. Practice parameter: evaluating a first nonfebrile
seizure in children: report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the
American Academy of Neurology, the Child Neurology Society, and the
American Epilepsy Society. Neurology. 2000;55:616–623.
89
References (cont.)
10. Millikan D, Rice B, Silbergleit R. Emergency treatment of status epilepticus:
current thinking. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2009;27(1):101-113.
11. Riviello JJ Jr., Ashwal S, Hirtz D, et al. American Academy of Neurology
Subcommittee, Practice Committee of the Child Neurology Society. Practice
parameter: diagnostic assessment of the child with status epilepticus (an
evidence-based review): report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the
American Academy of Neurology and the Practice Committee of the Child
Neurology Society. Neurology. 2006;67(9):1542-50.
12. Goldstein J. Status epilepticus in the pediatric emergency department. Clin Ped
Emerg Med. 2008;9:96-100.
13. Abend NS, Dlugos DJ. Treatment of refractory status epilepticus: literature
review and a proposed protocol. Pediatr Neurol. 2008;38:377-390.
90
Online Resources
American Epilepsy Society
http://www.acep.org/content.aspx?id=26276
American Academy of Neurology Patient Education Materials
http://www.aan.com/go/practice/patient
CDC: Epilepsy
http://www.cdc.gov/Epilepsy/
Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE)
http://www.cureepilepsy.org/resources/
Epilepsy Foundation: Epilepsy and Seizure Response for Law Enforcement and EMS
(free online training)
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/livingwithepilepsy/firstresponders/index.cfm
Epilepsy Therapy Project
http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy_therapy_project
Return to Table of Contents
91
Video Resources
Understanding Epilepsy
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNQlq004FkE
Types of Seizures
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDccChHrgRA&feature=channel
Understanding Partial Seizures
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e10FSjHvV74&feature=channel
Understanding Generalized Seizures
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5Jv0SZRwwk&feature=channel
What causes Epilepsy
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NcqQkKjqTI&feature=fvw
Diagnosing Epilepsy
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX7L11rhRTw&feature=channel
Return to Table of Contents
Seizure Imitators Overview
www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4xJSGpJioI&feature=relmfu
92
APPENDIX A
EMSC Prehospital Protocols
Return to Table of Contents
93
EMSC Prehospital Protocols
 All Pediatric Seizure care guidelines follow
this sequence:
 Initial Medical Care/Assessment
 Protect the child from Injury
 Vomiting and Aspiration precautions
THE NEXT STEPS DEPEND
ON THE LEVEL OF CARE
OF THE RESPONDER
94
EMSC Prehospital Protocols
Here are examples of prehospital pediatric seizure protocols
 EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONDER
CARE GUIDELINE
 BLS CARE GUIDELINE
 ILS CARE GUIDELINE
 ALS CARE GUIDELINE
Source: Illinois EMSC Pediatric Prehospital Protocols
95
APPENDIX B
Sample Emergency Department
Guidelines
Return to Table of Contents
96
Sample ED Status Epilepticus Guidelines
Please give credit to any of the following resources you use
 Children’s Memorial Hospital
Emergency Department Management Guideline

Advocate Condell Medical Center
Pediatric Emergency Department Clinical Guideline
 University or Chicago Comer Children’s hospital
Pediatric Emergency Department Clinical Guideline: Status
Epilepticus
97
APPENDIX C
Neonatal Seizures
Return to Table of Contents
98
Neonatal Seizures
 Neonatal seizures can be difficult to diagnose
o May consist of very subtle and unusual physical
signs

Eye deviation, staring episodes, winking
 In neonates, onset of seizure activity is important in
determining etiology
o First 24 - 72 hours of life
 Ischemic hypoxia
 72 hours to 1 week of age
o Familial neonatal seizures
 Metabolic disorders
99
Neonatal Seizures
 Beyond the standard history, ask about the
pregnancy, labor and delivery and maternal risk
factors
 Physical exam should include head circumference
and careful inspection for dysmorphic features and
cutaneous lesions.8
 Consult with a pediatric neurologist to identify
infantile seizure disorders
100
Neonatal Seizures:
Status Epilepticus

Assess A, B, C’s
 Evaluate and maintain airway
 Provide 100% oxygen
 Establish vascular access
 Obtain rapid glucose
 Administer Medications
 PHENobarbital 20 mg/kg IV
 Repeat up to 40 mg/kg total dose
 Contact Neurology
101
THE END
102